The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Abdul Kargbo, has written an open letter to President Julius Maada Bio expressing serious concerns over what he described as growing international links between Sierra Leone and transnational drug trafficking networks.
In the lengthy letter addressed to the President, Honourable Abdul Kargbo warned that repeated international reports connecting Sierra Leone, its ports, territorial waters, and some of its citizens to narcotics trafficking are damaging the country’s international reputation and threatening national security.
The Opposition Leader referenced the recent interception of the vessel MV Arconian by Spanish authorities. According to international reports cited in the letter, the vessel allegedly departed from Freetown on April 22, 2026, and was later intercepted off the coast of Western Sahara carrying more than 30 tonnes of cocaine.
Honourable Abdul Kargbo further stated that Spanish authorities allegedly discovered weapons onboard the vessel, including automatic rifles, tactical pistols, and ammunition. He noted that the incident raises serious concerns about weaknesses within Sierra Leone’s maritime surveillance, port inspection systems, and border security architecture.
The Minority Leader also referred to reports linking the operation to the notorious Dutch-Moroccan criminal organization known as the “Mocro Mafia” and fugitive drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers, popularly known as “Bolle Jos.”
According to him, Sierra Leone has increasingly appeared in international criminal investigations and media reports relating to cocaine trafficking, organized crime syndicates, and transnational drug cartels.
He also cited previous incidents involving the interception of a Sierra Leone embassy vehicle in Guinea allegedly carrying suspected cocaine, as well as several airport arrests and narcotics-related interceptions involving passengers travelling from Sierra Leone to countries in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Honourable Abdul Kargbo warned that if urgent action is not taken, Sierra Leone risks being internationally categorized as a narco-transit state or narco-state, which, he said, could negatively affect foreign investment, banking relationships, tourism, trade, and the movement of Sierra Leoneans abroad.
The Opposition Leader further connected the issue of international drug trafficking to the increasing abuse of synthetic drugs locally, especially the spread of “Kush” among young people across the country.
In an emotional section of the letter, Honourable Abdul Kargbo revealed that his own nephew became addicted to drugs after enrolling at Milton Margai Technical University, eventually dropping out of school and living on the streets at Aberdeen.
He described the Government’s response to the growing drug crisis as “grossly inadequate” and called on President Bio to take immediate and decisive action before irreversible damage is done to the country’s image and future.
“This matter transcends party politics. It concerns the future security, integrity, and international standing of our beloved nation,” the letter stated.
